§ 66. Mr. J. Griffithsasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been called to the increase in the price of books needed by scholars at secondary schools; and whether he will take steps to secure a reduction in these prices or bring pressure on local education authorities who do not provide such books free or at a nominal fee to adopt such measures?
§ Mr. EdeI have no information that pupils in secondary schools are prevented from obtaining books owing to their increased price. The regulations leave it to the authorities of the school to determine whether the tuition fee shall cover the use of printed books, but there is a growing tendency, which the Board encourage, to make the fee an inclusive one. My right hon. Friend does not think that any pressure on local education authorities is called for.
§ Mr. GriffithsIn view of the fact that books are increasing in price, will the 1008 Board, again bring pressure upon the few recalcitrant authorities and ask them to meet this cost instead of it being a burden upon the parents?
§ Mr. EdeI have no doubt that the expression of opinion in my answer, which will be circulated to the educational Press, will bring the subject to the notice of the authorities who are not complying.